Psalm 68:5
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling”
Matthew 22:29-30
Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.
1 Peter 5:5
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
In the Church and its governance the flock of God does not submit to one spiritual authority but instead to a balanced plurality of faithful leaders.
Proverbs 15:22
“Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.”
Proverbs 11:14
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Offices: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Teacher, and Pastor.
Gifts: 1 Corinthians, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4.
1. Wisdom according to scripture
2. Spiritual maturity
3. An ordained call from the Holy Spirit.
The church would confirm this and then submit to this leadership structure ultimately knowing that God the chief shepherd is the focal point.
John 13:2 The roaring lion satan is in the room
And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him,
John 13:3
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God,
Jesus has the power here to cast Satan out. That is not the Fathers will though. His will is the cross for the defeat of Satan and ultimately to give every sinner saving grace.
John 13:4
rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself.
Jesus humbles Himself under the power of the Holy Spirit and serves all in that room including the prideful and the betrayer.
John 13:6-7
Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”
Peter wanted to know everything. Peter was struggling to remain patient. I speculate that Peter had an inner pride that he thought he could outwork or outhink everyone in the room. Jesus tells Peter, “if I cannot wash your feet you have no part with me.” Peter opens his mouth again and says wash me head to toe. Peter is a very young man that will not forget this message of submission taught to him by the King of Kings.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Deal with the sheep in you. This looks like an ungodly habit, selfish thinking, and having an important complex. To deal with the sheep in us we have to heed Peter’s wisdom when he says “…be clothed with humility…”
1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Peter knew what it was like to be resisted. Jesus said directly to Peter, “Get behind me Satan” because Peter thought he had a better plan than Jesus.
1 Peter 5:10-11
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen
Matt Chandler
“We cannot be a church where anyone is above the Scriptures and above the high heavenly call into Christ Jesus,” “The Word of God holds me to a certain standard. And I fell short.”
Humility Plan:
Servant Mentality - Philippians 2:4 - Others before yourself
Resists Pride within - James 4:6 - God has more grace than your pride
Keep Casting Your Cares - Psalms 55:22 - He will sustain what you cannot
He Cares for You - John 10:11 - He Lays his life down, He cares.
Spiritual Gift Test: https://gifts.churchgrowth.org/spiritual-gifts-survey/
VIDEO:
Matt Chandler Video: Matt Chandler Announcement - Inappropriate Relationship - Aug. 28, 2022
Discussion Questions
- Did you know marriage on earth will not be focused on in heaven? How does that shape how we live out the Christian life and proclaim the Gospel?
2. Do you think it is wise for there to be a plurality of leaders in a local church? Why or why not?
3. Were you aware of the five offices in the church of Apostle, Evangelist, Teacher, Prophet, and Pastor? How does this shape our view and enactment of the Gospel in our local church?
4. When thinking about humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God and dealing with the sheep in us, where does that lead our intentions?
5. When thinking of Peter’s denial with Jesus to his remarkably humble upside down crucifixion how does that compel you to grow in your maturity in Christ?
6. What is your practical plan for humility?
OVERTIME:
If you have extra time in your discipleship groups this week, talk about your results of the spiritual gift test (if you have taken it) or challenge your group to take the test and share their results next time you’re together.
You can also discuss the Matt Chandler video if your group is unified in discussing how it impacted them and how that might apply to our current local church context. Use discernment here and pray over all discussions